Breaking! A well-known German trade fair has hit the “pause” button!

The Cologne International Furniture Fair, a prestigious event since 1924 that has been a beacon for global home design, has been canceled. Scheduled for January 12-16, 2025, the organizers announced its suspension on October 10. This reflects the struggles faced by the German furniture industry and the global market, following its centennial celebrations.

The event organizers stated that the primary reason for the exhibition’s cancellation is the lack of domestic demand for furniture in Germany. Several large companies have withdrawn, causing a domino effect and insufficient participation to support a successful event.

From the official statement, it is clear that German furniture manufacturers are facing significant challenges, with weak domestic demand and cautious corporate spending. The data further illustrates the struggles of many manufacturers. According to the latest figures from the German Furniture Association (VDM), furniture sales dropped by 9.7% in 2023 and the first half of 2024, with upholstered furniture seeing an even sharper decline of 11.2%. This issue is not just confined to Germany but reflects the broader global furniture market’s difficulties.